The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-04

| .u'' ~ hint " pufpilSn lHli, Du'
after bnei superficial massage practiced
centripetally, Il takes ON more natural
reddish hue. This improvement often re.
mains for some hours after the bath, and
IN some cases II is permanent as regards
both superficial temperature and circula.
ton. II is indicated, secondly, as q dia-
phoretic and desquamative agent in certain
cases OF mclancholia in which there is APP
| parently complete suppression ofthc gland
ular functions OF the skin, which is dry,
harsh, and covered with bran-like epider.
mic scales ms il there were iurfuratio uni
yersas.
There are apt TO be cutancous par;es-
thesn and tactile illusions in these cases
| which often get prompt and efficient relief
from the bath after the sebaceous and
sweat glands have beenrestored to activity.
Another most useful purpose OF the
bath Is the passive exercise which the mas
sage supplies in large number Of cases
IN whichsctiye exercise is not practicable.
The various movements impaired to all
the muscles OF the trunk and cxircmitics
tend TO maintain the muscular ms well as
the vascular tone, and they probably hasten
'meiabolic changes, though TO lets degree
than voluntary muscular contractons.
In the class OF cases mentioned above
there IL often not only improved circula-
ton and return OF a subnormal tcmpera-
ture to the norm OF bodily heat, but also n
| generally increased nutrition and an actual
gain in weight.
"The Turkish bath again is n remedial
agent in cases OF toxic origin arising from
plunbism, hydrargyrsm, alcoholism,
paludal intoxication, and also in syphiitic,
| equity, rheumatic, aud certain other dia-
the,ic insanitics.
In these cases good effects are not due
| to dlaphoresis alone, but TO the diversion
OF blood TO the periphery from central
organs, and 10 improved circulation and to
hastened absorption and the tissue changes.
In mania from acute alcoholism the Turk
lsh bath II one OF the best means OF elm
lnation OF the poison from the system.
Cool acidulated drinks are 20 be- freely al
lowed, and q sedatiyo effect, with tendency
To sleep and relief OF cerebral congestion,
often follows the bath.
at is 10 be understood that nothing like
q routine use OF the bath il recommended,
but the general condition OF the patient
aud the condition of the respiration aud
hearts action aud bodily temperature
must guide the variations required in each
case. General contra-indcaiions OF all on.
ganic diseases Of heart, lungs, and nervous
ccntcrs, and yet in these very instances "a
mild degree of dry heat followed
by tcpid spray and rubbing, are pallia-
tive measures.
every Turkish bath should be supplied
with narrow needle spray with numer.
Gus very fine Jets which can be projected
with great force and readily graduated
from cold TO very hot water. Such a
needle spray affords one of the most use.
iul counter irrjtants known, and when an
piled over the whole length Of the spine.
rs well rs in other special WAYS Il often cf.
iccts surprisingly good results. The sud
den reversal from hot Ia cold affords the
most powerful vase motor stimuant, and
capillary stilsis in stuporous conditions
may sometimes bc relieved by this means
alone, and tlb stupor, due 10 like pas.
sivc congestion OF cortical capilarics, NAV
temporarily disappear Asthc nccdespray
only acts ON a small portion Of the peri
phcral nervous AREA at one time, 1t has not
the dangers attending the use OF the shower
bath.
ut has been supposed that patients
would oppose the bath, but, practically,
they do not object Ia il any morc than Ia |
any other form OF treatment, and many OF |
thom come 10 regard II M an actual lux |
ury.
"rhe Russian bath Il taken In yupor
ranging from % 10 hoe 4. land, II The
amount OF vapor In the air is small. tenn |
pculture Of 1902 L. even may be borncl. |
followed by a shower or plunge bath. II |
may bo roughly improyiscd by placing the |
patient in chair orr bed, with hoops |
covered by blanket, under which yupOr |
~ conducted. This form oi bath is n strong |
nervous siimulant, increasing arternl &C. |
ton and diaphorcsis, diyoring the blood |
To the suriacc, and Answering IN the main |
The same indications ~ the Turkish bath. !
'Ihe Roman bath isa desirable modif. !
cation Of these forms, by inunctions prac.
tccd after exposure 20 dry or moist heat.
Na~cllnc, cocoa oil, and various unctuous
substances may be rubbcd thoroughly over
the whole surface, to which they inparl q
most plrasing sense Of sOltncss aud elias.
iiciiy. The effect is often felt for whole
day, and IN cases Of mclancholia, with the
dry aud iuiiumccous skin above men
toned, Il most Cilcctually answers the In
dications.
The vnluo Of processes for amounting
seems 20 have Cscnpcd modern attention.
though II was fully recognized In the
practice OF eastern nations for many
centuries aud It's physiological gruund i
the influence cNcftcd ON the Immense
pcriphcml expansion Of the cutancous
nervous system The Roman bath OF
ancient DAYS vas one of the most practical
and perfect ever devised, and il h d uus-.
ton whether 10 would not prove most U.S.
iul u employed In nervous and mental
dispaspA
"lho Roman haihcr pmOvcd his gar.
mcnis In the mild mir ot the 'npodytcrium'
and was anonicd with oil, and passive
movements ct the joints were made In the
'unciuarium.' lie then played at various
kinds Of games In the sphcris,cium until
gentle pcupiriiion began. and he then
completed the sweating proCcss In the
'ctldarium,' with graduated spats rising Ia
q higher degree 1T high heat. lie Was
then scmpcd and rubbed down, and again
anointcd with fine 81, and then finally
passcd into the 'tcpidnHum' to rrclinr 4
few final moments and cool completely be.
iorc passing into the open air. Thcrc il
no such perfect sequence of physiological
changes Tor patients treated by modern
balncolhompuutics
"Oi the use Ut the ordinary forms Of
baths something viii now hc said. and
remark generally applicable IL ihat the
best time for bathing h when them Is
within the system the most reserved merry.
GUS enemy. II strength has been spent In
active cXcrtiona. or II inod las not been
al LA Il. a